Kildare Hotels

Hen Party Kildare

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Irish Greyhound Derby Day 2013, Shelbourne Park Dublin

Dublin is going to the Dogs

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It is official; Dublin is going to the Dogs, on Saturday the 14th of September 2013 Dublin will officially go to the dogs, for what is Irish Greyhound Derby Day at Europe’s Premiere Greyhound racing and Hospitality Stadium, Shelbourne Park in Dublin. The picture below was taken 21st August 2013, and shows how Shelbourne Park Stadium sits neatly behind Aviva Stadium from the Ringsend view, please, click on the picture to get a high definition view.

Shelbourne Park Events

Shelbourne Park Dublin is home to Greyhound racing and a true Cead Mile Failte, Irish Greyhound Derby Day 2013 is the pulsating heartbeat of the Irish racing calendar, if you are asking, Whats on in Dublin, well join a professional TEAM for a sporting occasion you will never forget, this is a hen party and stag party venue with a difference, this is corporate hospitality at its very best, this is Ireland's premiere Family Gathering Stadium where you can enjoy quality time with family and friends to celebrate a communion, an anniversary, a wedding, a birthday party, whatever the occasion, give Shelbourne Park a chance to make it Special.

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Derby 2013

Shelbourne Park is rated as one of the top Greyhound and hospitality venues in Europe. Shelbourne Park is not just the pulsating heartbeat of Irish sport; Shelbourne Park offers true Irish hospitality in every aspect of its service delivery. The atmosphere and ambiance are second to none and a memorable evening is guaranteed (see, reviews below).

Shelbourne Park Guest Reviews

“The IT company that I work for, designated me to provide an evening of entertainment for a group of potential investors coming in from the USA. I took a gamble, as a friend had recommended Shelbourne Park. The gamble paid off and I was a real winner with the company, following a fantastic meal at Shelbourne Park, the racecard got under starters orders and my Asian/American guests had a fun filled night, as the races were so close together, it meant that we were focused on the next race and had great fun with the pick4 selections and Tri-casts and Fore-casts, it really was fun and more importantly, I did not have to make small talk all evening. We got the contract, I got the promotion, and I am now an enthusiast for a night at the races no matter what the occasion”. John Mac, Dublin.

“When someone suggested that I take our active retirement group to a night at Shelbourne Park, my first reaction was, are you joking? On the night, the staff were friendly and professional, the food was as good as any restaurant in Dublin in which I have eaten, and the thrill and excitement of watching the greyhound racing from a cosy warm restaurant atmosphere, taught an old dog new tricks, you are never too old to learn something new”. Ann, Active Retirement Group, Meath.

“My twins were making their communion, and my sister said that we should have the kids party at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium. My sister is a good judge of people and places, and I knew that she would not suggest any venue for this special occasion, unless it would come up trumps. We booked one of the suites upstairs, it was decorated beautifully and the food and ambiance was second to none, the pictures were unique and my children and their friends have never stopped talking about the fun day they had”. Emma, Castleknock, Dublin.

“We had booked our Hen Party at Shelbourne Park, we were on a tight budget as my sister’s wedding was only three weeks away. The package offered by Shelbourne Park was fantastic and real value for money, we had a great night, and we simply walked out the front gate to the taxi rank and our pre-arranged mini-bus took us directly and safely to our hotel”. Paula, Kildare.

“My mates and I work shifts 7 days per-week, The Stag Party package offered meant that we could enjoy a night-out mid-week that did not interfere with our work schedule, we enjoyed the fact that one of the races was named after our stag party group, loads of cheers for that when it was called, we enjoyed finger food, a couple of pints and some great betting fun. We were all able to report for work next day, and unlike some of the Temple Bar Stags I had been at, I could actually remember this one and we had great pictures to show the great night we enjoyed at the races, which was hassle free”. Kevin, Louth.

“Twenty of us arrived in Dublin to play golf at a very good golf club, when we had played our 18 hole game, we really wanted to do something other than sit around the clubhouse talking card scores and getting in the rough. The waitress said that she had just enjoy a night at Shelbourne Park with her friends and that she would highly recommend it. We asked the young woman if she could help us book in to Shelbourne Park that night, within a couple of minutes she had a mini-bus waiting outside for us and within 30 minutes we were sitting down being served our drinks in Shelbourne Park. The meal was very good, and unlike many of the ‘rushed’ tourist eateries one can find in Dublin, the Shelbourne Park eating experience is about relaxing for the evening and having fun, not about filling seats and providing happy meals at the click of your finger, if you want fast food, go to McDonalds, if you want a quality eating and hospitality experience go to Shelbourne Park”. Bob, New York.

Hen Party Shelbourne Park

A GREAT NIGHT OUT IN DUBLIN:

Whether it’s a quick flutter in the stands or a four course meal with friends Shelbourne Park has it all. With Bars and restaurants to suit all pockets you can’t go wrong with a Night at the Dogs in Shelbourne Park.

BARS Shelbourne Park

In Café Barconi you can enjoy a great range of sandwiches, snacks, teas and coffees while staying close to all the action on the ground floor. Alternatively you can try Bistro number 6 and be tempted by a great range of food choices to satisfy all tastes. At Shelbourne Park you’re spoilt for choice with four fully serviced bars.

RESTAURANT Shelbourne Park

Dobbins’ at the Park is the place to be in Dublin on a Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday night. Reservations are essential so book early!

With ample comfortable seating and excellent viewing of the excitement on the track, Dobbins’ at the park is where it’s all at. Mouth-watering food, exceptional service, fun company and relaxing ambiance with definite value for money, contact reservations on 1890 269 969 or email sales@igb.ie or book online here.

PRIVATE SUITES Shelbourne Park

For something a little more intimate why not consider a private suite with Dobbins’ excellent food and service, a comprehensive range of wines and a table Tote service. How could you beat that for comfort?

PLANNING A PARTY Shelbourne Park

We cater for all parties:

From hen and stag parties to birthday parties, communions, confirmations or any other family event, you can’t go wrong with a Night at the Dogs.

Shelbourne Park Family Fun

€20 SUMMER FAMILY SPECIAL

Admission for 2 Adults and 2 Children

This package includes 2 Race Cards and 2 Children's Meals from the Fast Food Outlet of participating Greyhound Stadia for July and August 2013.

To avail, request the €20 Summer Family Special at the turnstiles of your participating stadium on arrival. It's as simple as that!

Participating Stadia:

Shelbourne Park and Harold's Cross, Dublin

Curraheen Park, Cork

Galway

Limerick

Mullingar

Newbridge

Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, Tralee

Kilcohan Park, Waterford

Children's Fast Food meals vary according to stadium.

Rediscover your sense of fun with a Night at the Dogs for the whole family to enjoy this summer.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO THAT ALL THE FAMILY CAN ENJOY?

Well, look no further than a Night at the Dogs. Celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any family occasion with a fun and entertaining night at the Dogs. Mums and Dads can sit back and relax and enjoy a restaurant meal with drinks and betting service to the table while the thrill of the race keeps the whole family entertained!

I DON'T WANT A RESTAURANT MEAL…WHAT ELSE IS ON OFFER?

For something a little less formal we have a great range of fast food or light snack options available in each of our stadia. Pre-book special fast food and finger food packages in advance from our Sales Centre (1890 269 969), which offer discounted admission and Tote and Drinks voucher options. Or you can just turn up on the night and let the kids take their pick from the menu options on offer in our fast food outlets, bars and cafes.

When you are booking, ask about the many ways you can make the night a little bit extra special. Get a shout-out form the race commentator or have a race named after your family to mark a special occasion or family holiday!

Shelbourne Park PARTIES AT THE DOGS

Planning a group Night out at the Dogs for a corporate event or your friends’ birthday party is easy and makes for a night to remember! Plan your night well in advance to ensure availability on your chosen night. Have a definite list of numbers that will be attending on the night.

Choose from a wide array of extra services that will make your night one to remember, let us know and we will get our continuity announcer to mention a special occasion or why not sponsor a guest of honour! Having a race named after them in the card is a great souvenir of your special night!

Shelbourne Park HOW TO BOOK:Click the Image to BOOK ONLINE:

Contact our reservations team at 1890 269 969 or email sales@igb.ie and let them help you choose a package most suitable to your group.

Anyone who has been to a Hen Party in Kilkenny will know that Kilkenny is a place to be for fun, anyone who went to Kilkenny for a Stag Party is probably still there. Kilkenny Arts Festival is like a big party, loads of activities, loads of people and loads of fun.

We’re going to be at the Kinsale Arts Festival on July 13 and we’ll also be back in Derry for the Culture TECH festival in September, but we’re also heading to the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August for not one, not two but three very special Banter sessions over the course of a week.Kilkenny Hen Party Packages

The idea of doing some Bantering in the Marble City first came about at last year’s festival and, with huge thanks to festival director Rosemary Collier and her team, we’ve managed to put together a damn good programme, including one or two sessions which we’ve been hoping to do for ages, for the festival’s 40th anniversary.

When it comes to the story of the Seattle grunge explosion, Mark Yarm’s fantastic oral history Everybody Loves Our Town is one of the definitive reads on that fabled city and such bands as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Mudhoney and more. The Guardian called it “a Herculean work of interviewing and editing which gives everyone a voice, from the biggest stars to the lowliest foot soldiers”. Mark joins us at Banter to talk about the book, the Seattle scene and the grunge legacy.

Around the same time as Seattle was blowing up, Kilkenny was having its own moment in the sun thanks to a host of local bands, a brilliant dive venue called the New Park Inn and a host of other factors. Cormac Battle (Kerbdog, 2fm), Canice Kenealy (Engine Alley) and Malcolm Noonan (Jerusalem Taxis) rewind the city’s musical legacy.

It’s our favourite kind of Banter panel – one with a lot of questions. What is Irish style? Is there such a thing? How does it manifest itself in Irish fashion? Is Irish style bright orange in colour? Do Irish men know anything about style? What does Irish style look like in the future? Our panel for this walk down the catwalk: Angela Scanlon (TV presenter, fashion writer and stylist) and Sonya Lennon (RTE Off the Rails, Lennon Courtney).Stag Party

The Kilkenny Arts Festival turns 40 this year so it’s timely to look at the past, present and the future of the arts sector in Ireland. Colm Tóibín (novelist and playwright), Maureen Kennelly (arts producer, programmer, curator of the Mountains to Sea DLR Books Festival and former director of the Kilkenny Arts Festival and Cúirt International Festival of Literature), Donnacha Dennehy (composer and Crash Ensemble founder) and Willie White (Dublin Theatre Festival artistic director and chief executive) discuss what we’re learned over the last 40 years, the issues which the arts sector believe should be sorted out today and where things go from here.

It is the great cry of the political chattering classes: we need reform! Yet as various opinion polls have showed, the Irish electorate place the need for reform very far down on their list of priorities. Just how serious are we about reforming how our political system works – or doesn’t work? Is it merely a case of some politicians paying lip service to the idea to score points or is there an actual hunger for meaningful, pragmatic change? a conversation with some interested parties, including Harry McGee (Irish Times) and Sarah O’Neill (Dailwatch) about the real issues behind the clarion call for reform.

Of course, there’s a ton of other stuff besides Banter happening in Kilkenny over the course of the festival including some superb work from Bob & Roberta Smith, a performance from Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band, local boyo Jeremy Hickey AKA R.S.A.G, a discussion on the birth of the Irish trade union movement to mark the centenary of the 1913 Dublin lockout, the luminarium from Architects of Air and AC Grayling giving the Hubert Butler Lecture on how great literature can enrich all our lives.

It you've got to organise a hen night, fear not - there are plenty of options from murder mystery evenings to farm bootcamps.

So your best friend is getting married and has appointed you chief bridesmaid. Congratulations. It’s now officially your job to listen to the endless details, wear the unflattering dress and, worst of all, organise the hen night.

A poison chalice if ever there was one – what if nobody comes? What if everybody comes but nobody enjoys themselves? What if no one wants to totter round Temple Bar in an L-plate all night?

Relax. The good news is that, after years of telling us they didn’t want noisy hen dos lowering the tone, Ireland’s hoteliers are falling over their stilettos trying to attract them. What’s more, there are now loads of hen-oriented activities that you can combine a hotel stay with, to ensure everybody has a good time.

At the White Lady Hotel stagandhenweekends.ie in Kinsale, they gave one of their store rooms a makeover and devoted it to hen parties. Now known as The Powder Room, it’s a suitably girly space which hens can use as base camp for a range of different activity packages.

Hens often, for example, use it to book a make-up class, before heading into the nightclub next door where management reserve the VIP section for the group.

Another option is a Murder Mystery Ireland stagandhenweekends.ie hen event. Apparently, dead bodies are a guaranteed way to break the ice between friends and future family, no matter how frosty the initial relations.

Based in Mayo, the MMI team operates nationwide and provides costumes to ensure everyone is safely in character before the backstabbing starts, with a facilitator laid on to ensure any blood on the carpet is fake.

For something a little more sedate, how about a pottery session? With marriage on the way, it’s only a matter of time before plates get thrown, so start by throwing them on a potter’s wheel.

At The Pottery Experience stagandhenweekends.ie in Portmarnock, Co Dublin, hens produce personalised tableware for the bride and groom, which makes for a nice memento.

Everyone gets to either decorate a breakfast or dinner set, or design and decorate a commemorative platter. Bring your own food and drink and make a night of it. The Pottery Shed stagandhenweekends.ie offers a similar service in Kilkenny.

In Galway, hen parties are a speciality of Dance Divas stagandhenweekends.ie, a studio in Dominick Street. Choose a style of dancing – anything from Michael Jackson’s Thriller zombies to 1950s Grease style – don the costumes, learn the moves and have your picture taken afterwards on the specially dressed set. The additional bonus here is that you’ll all have a great new dance routine for the wedding.

The Strand Hotel stagandhenweekends.ie in Limerick has residential hen packages with a mix of cocktails, clubbing or discounted hair and beauty treatments to choose from.

Then, depending on what you prefer, the hotel can also organise, for a supplement, hen activities such as a roller disco session, private dance lessons, make-up sessions and even a nude art class. Just to be clear, the hens keep their kit on, the model guy doesn’t.

If it’s more practical help your bride is in need of, check out An Grianan, in Termonfeckin, Co Louth, headquarters of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) Bootcamp, as seen on RTÉ. The D Hotel stagandhenweekends.ie in nearby Drogheda has special discounted rates for group bookings headed for the ICA.

Finally, how about a hen party in a place where there really are hens? Causey Farm stagandhenweekends.ie, in Meath, attracts brides-to-be and their buddies to find out how to chase chooks, milk cows and catch banbhs.

There’s art too, as guests are encouraged to paint their life stories on the walls of barns. And there’s a spa element – in that hens are led to a strip of bog, told to take off their tights or socks and walk, barefoot, through it, for a pedicure like no other.

Causey’s owners can arrange accommodation packages with local hotels, leaving hens free to address practical skills such as how to bake soda bread, play the bodhrán and dance jigs, possibly all at the same time.

Win a spa break for two at The 5* Heritage Golf & Spa Resort

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The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort is offering a wonderful Pamber Break Gift Voucher for two. Relax and unwind with two nights' bed and breakfast in a deluxe guestroom, dinner in The Arlington Room on one night and take time out to journey through The Heritage Spa Experience for up to 3 hours; plus you can also choose from one of the following one hour treatments: